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Passing on their love of books |
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Friday, 15 May 2009 |
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PDN photo by Laura Young 
Accepting books were (seated from left) Chastina Cripe of Grace Cottage, reading instructor Paula Stewart on behalf of Women's Crisis Services, Denise Phillips of EOMC and (standing) B.J. Barnes of LCYS with the EOMC Lion.
By Laura Young
Managing Editor
Twice a month throughout the school year 30 students in the Pansy Kidd Middle School Reading Club give up their lunch break to enjoy their love of books.
These Poteau students are led by reading teacher Paula Stewart and not only give up time at lunch but also hold fund raisers to purchase books for several area agencies. This year baskets of books were provided to Women's Crisis Services, Grace Cottage, LeFlore County Youth Services and Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center.
The club raised approximately $400 throughout the year and took a field trip to Fort Smith to Books A Million where they purchased 200 books appropriate for the agencies. The students bought magazines, children's books, Bibles, books for teens and even books for babies.
"I'm very proud of the kids each year," said Stewart. "Each year the group seems to get better. This is my sixth year with the club and I have really enjoyed watching the kids grow and learn about giving back."
Accepting the books on behalf of EOMC pediatrics was Denise Phillips who said, "These books really help the little ones when they are in the hospital. Thank you from all of us at the hospital."
"These books are a blessing to our clients," stated B.J. Barnes of LCYS. "Books are an important to them. It's great that you students are encouraging others to have a love of reading."
Chastina Cripe of Grace Cottage said, "The girls who come to us always appreciate the books and magazines. Last year I was able to give one of the girls a Bible when she left us because of this program. That's all she wanted when she left and I was able to give her the Bible that you had given us."
On the last day the club met they enjoyed a pizza party during their forfeited lunch break. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 18 May 2009 )
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